You want to feel at ease in your rental home. Many people interpret this as adding decorations that enhance the individuality of a space. But if you’re a tenant, the amount of your security deposit you receive returned depends greatly on the decorating decisions you make.
Your lease agreement typically specifies which changes you may make without the landlord’s consent and which ones do. However, if you are uncertain, you may make mistakes that result in your security deposit being deducted.
It is essential to understand what is permitted and what is not. Find out how to avoid losing your security deposit by being judicious with your decorating choices and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Because of the damage caused by renters’ decorating preferences, landlords frequently withhold security deposits. It is essential to observe that the damage must be severe enough to necessitate repairs. For instance, if you mounted heavy artwork or shelves on the walls that left large holes, used adhesives that damaged paint or wallpaper, or made other changes to the property that resulted in physical damage, the landlord may deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit.
The amount of the deduction will be determined by the extent of the damage. For the sake of avoiding disagreements about security deposit deductions, it is imperative that you carefully research your lease agreement and comprehend the specifications for design choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Assume that the rental contract required you to return the property to its original state at the end of the lease, and you neglected to do so after making decor-related alterations. In this case, your landlord may use your security deposit to cover the cost of restoring the property to its original condition.
The ability to paint the interior of a rental home is one of the most commonly asked questions by renters. It is understandable that this is a common concern, as altering the paint color is a simple way to personalize a room or a whole house.
Check your lease agreement or contact your landlord first, though, before you start making any colorful changes. The condition of the home must be returned in its original state, including the wall color, according to many leases.
Violating the Lease Terms
The security deposit may be withheld if your lease agreement contained specific requirements on decor choices (such as no painting or nailing things to the wall), and you disregarded them without the landlord’s prior consent. Your lease agreement would have specified the permitted and prohibited decor items. A lot of renters fail to take into account the possible wall damage brought on by installing framed art, televisions, or other home decor items. The cost of repairs rises as the damage gets worse, and even a few nail holes in a wall might lower the amount of the security deposit that is reimbursed.
To protect your deposit, it’s crucial to plan your decor with the end in mind. You could choose hangers without nails or avoid wall hangings altogether. Atop an accent table or cabinet, large pieces of artwork or televisions will function just as well and won’t cause any damage to the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
Wear and tear that occurs during tenancy is commonplace for rental properties. However, if your choice of furnishings causes undue wear and tear, such as when heavy furniture scrapes the floors, or if you fail to keep up with routine maintenance, the landlord may take a portion of your security deposit to pay for necessary repairs or replacements.
It’s best to enlist assistance when moving large pieces of furniture, and to put something protective underneath, like a blanket or moving cushion, to prevent floor damage. To make moving your decor easier and less likely to result in damage, especially if you move your furniture around frequently, think about making an investment in felt cushioning for the bottoms.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is allowed to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if the condition of the property is beyond reasonable wear and tear due to your decorating decisions or general living habits.
It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out of a rental property, so when decorating, keep in mind that you’ll need to return the home or apartment to its original state. The fewer repairs required, the more likely you are to receive your entire security deposit returned.
As a tenant, you should thoroughly examine your lease agreement and, if necessary, your landlord’s justifications for retaining your security deposit. You have the right to challenge the deductions in court if you believe they are unlawful or violate local laws. Providing evidence of the property’s condition when you moved in and out can help you dispute the deductions. It is also advisable to communicate with your landlord in order to comprehend their reasoning and, if possible, find a resolution.
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